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XXIV. On the Asiatic Silk-producing Moths, By 

 F. Moore, Esq. 



[Read 7th April, 1862.] 



In the following list are enumerated the whole of the species of 

 these, the most useful of insects, that are at present known to me, 

 for the knowledge of many of which I am indebted to the re- 

 searches now being carried on by our valuable Corresponding 

 Member, Captain T. Hutton, of Mussooree. 



Bombyx mori, Linn. 



The common silkworm. Inhabits China, Cashmere and Bengal. 



Cidtivated in China, Cashmere, Persia, Herat, Aflfghanistan, 

 Bengal, France and Italy ; in all which countries it is an annual 

 only. It produces the largest cocoon and the best silk — silk pale- 

 yellow. Caterpillar feeds on the Toot or mulberry. 



Bombyx Sinensis, Hutton. 



Inhabits China. 



Called the small Chinese, or monthly worm, in Bengal, where it 

 is partially cultivated, but from whence it is said to be fast dis- 

 appearing. 



It is noted by Captain Hutton, that the monthly worms were not 

 known in India earlier than between thirty and forty years ago, or 

 at least that they were not there cultivated ; and previous "to that 

 time, an annual worm, and it only, was the species under cultivation 

 both in India and Europe. Caterpillar feeds on the mulberry. 



Bombyx crcesi, Hutton. 



The Madrassee or Nistry of the Bengalese. Inhabits China. 



Cultivated in Bengal, where it produces nine monthly crops of 

 beautiful golden-yellow silk. 



It is stated that the Madrassee was introduced into Bengal about 

 the year 1780, the cocoons of which were at first good, but are 

 now fast degenerating. Caterpillar feeds on the mulberry. 



Bombyx for tunalus, Hutton. 



Inhabits China. 



Cultivated in Bengal, where it is known as the Dasee or Dessee 

 (i. e., country worm). It yields a golden-yellow silk, and produces 

 five crops in the year. It is much smaller than the Madrassee, 



VOL. I. THIRD SERIES, PART IV. NOV. 1862. Y 



